Pine Siskins are small, streaky brown finches that are common across North America. However, their populations can fluctuate dramatically from year to year, leading some people to think they are rare in years when fewer are seen at bird feeders.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to some common questions about Pine Siskin rarity:
- Are Pine Siskins rare? No, Pine Siskins are not considered rare birds overall. Their populations naturally rise and fall in cycles.
- Why do I see fewer Pine Siskins some years? Pine Siskins are irruptive species, meaning they have dramatic population fluctuations. In poor cone crop years up north, they will migrate farther south in search of food.
- Does this mean they are endangered? No, Pine Siskins are still very common birds across their range. Their populations can change rapidly but they are not at risk as a species.
Pine Siskin Overview
The Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) is a type of finch found across North America. They are small, streaky brown birds with yellow wing and tail markings. Pine Siskins mainly eat seeds from conifers like pine, spruce, and hemlock. They use their sharply pointed bills to extract seeds from cones.
Pine Siskins breed across Canada and the northern United States. They build nests high up in conifers. After breeding, Pine Siskins may remain up north if cone crops are good. Or they may migrate south in large numbers called irruptions.
In winter, Pine Siskins can be found anywhere from Alaska to Mexico. They flock together and often visit bird feeders in busy groups. Pine Siskins have a distinctive rising and falling flight call sounded like “zreeeee.”
Physical Description
Pine Siskins are small finches, measuring 4.5-6 inches in length with a 7.5-10 inch wingspan. Here are some key physical features:
- Brown streaky plumage overall
- Pale underparts with streaking
- Small pointed bill
- Yellow wing bars
- Yellow patches at base of tail feathers
- Forked black and yellow tail pattern
Females and juveniles have duller plumage than adult males. But overall, Pine Siskin appearance is quite similar between sexes and age classes.
Habitat
Pine Siskins live in coniferous forest habitats across their range. Some key habitat features include:
- Boreal forest
- Montane forest
- Mixed coniferous-deciduous forest
- Conifer groves and plantations
They strongly associate with conifers that produce seeds they can eat. This includes pines, spruces, firs, hemlocks, larches, and cypress trees. They may also visit deciduous woods, scrublands, and backyards with feeders.
Irruptive Migration Patterns
One reason Pine Siskins can seem rare some years is their unusual migration patterns. Pine Siskins exhibit irruptive migration, meaning they have dramatic winter movements based on food supplies.
Most bird species migrate on a fairly regular schedule each year. But Pine Siskins will stay up north if conifer cone crops are abundant there. Or they will swarm south in huge numbers if northern cone crops fail.
These irruptions occur about every other year on average. During irruption years, Pine Siskins will winter farther south than usual in very high densities.
What Causes Irruptions?
Pine Siskin irruptions are driven by cone crop cycles. Here are some key factors:
- Boreal conifers like pine, spruce, and fir have boom and bust years for cone production.
- In a boom year, trees produce abundant cones packed with seeds.
- In a bust year, very few cones are produced across huge forest areas.
- Pine Siskins cannot find enough food if cone crops fail across the boreal forest.
When this happens, Pine Siskins will migrate in mass numbers down to southern Canada and the United States. This allows them to find adequate food for the winter.
Impact on Observations
Pine Siskin irruptions have a big impact on winter observations:
- In non-irruption years, they are uncommon south of Canada.
- In irruption years, they flood south and can be abundant across the U.S.
- Backyard sightings increase dramatically during irruptions.
So Pine Siskins seem rare or missing some winters, then extremely common in others. But this is normal population fluctuation, not a threat to the species.
Population Trends
Despite the drama of irruptions, Pine Siskin overall populations remain strong. Here are some key population trends:
- The Pine Siskin global population is estimated at over 28 million birds.
- Population trends seem stable since the 1960s per the North American Breeding Bird Survey.
- Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of 22 million Pine Siskins.
- They are still considered one of the most abundant and widespread finch species in North America.
So while localized winter numbers shift, Pine Siskins maintain healthy total populations. They are not at risk of endangerment as a species currently.
Threats and Conservation
Pine Siskins face some threats to monitor, though none causing major declines currently. Some potential issues include:
- Habitat loss in boreal breeding areas
- Climate change impacts on boreal forests
- Disease outbreaks at feeders during irruptions
- Pesticides reducing food supplies
Conservation actions to help Pine Siskins include:
- Protecting breeding habitat in the boreal forest
- Planting native conifers that provide seeds
- Following bird feeder sanitation practices
- Reducing pesticide use in forests and backyards
Comparison to Similar Species
Pine Siskins share range and habitat with some other finch species. Here is how to identify Pine Siskins vs. some look-alikes:
American Goldfinch
- Smaller bill than Pine Siskin
- Lacks streaking on underparts
- Bright yellow body plumage
- Black forehead and wings
- Less pointed wings
House Finch
- Larger, stockier build
- Larger conical bill
- Plain underparts without streaking
- Red on head, breast, and rump
- Brown-streaked back
Cassin’s Finch
- Pink-red head and breast
- White wing bars
- Dark brown back without streaking
- Forked tail less dramatic
Redpoll
- Smaller size and thinner bill
- Red forehead
- Pink breast
- Black chin strap
- Fewer wing bars
Best Places to See Pine Siskins
Here are some top places to spot Pine Siskins during the winter months:
- Backyards with nyjer or sunflower seed feeders
- Boreal forests full of conifers
- High elevation pine forests
- Pine plantations and shelter belts
- Spruce-fir forests
Look high up in conifers for foraging flocks. Also watch on the ground under feeders for groups feeding on spilled seeds.
Backyards
Backyards with bird feeders are a hot spot to see Pine Siskins, especially during irruption years. Stock up on nyjer and sunflower seeds to attract them. Also provide thistle feeders and platform feeders they can perch on.
Boreal Forest
The boreal forest across Canada and Alaska offers prime summer habitat for Pine Siskins. Listen for their rising and falling calls among the conifers. Good areas to spot them include:
- Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
- Susitna Valley, Alaska
- Mackenzie River Valley, Northwest Territories
- Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan
- Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario
High Elevation Forests
In the western mountains, Pine Siskins frequent high elevation pine forests. Try spots like:
- White Mountains, California
- Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming
- Coconino National Forest, Arizona
- Sandia Mountains, New Mexico
Conclusion
In summary, Pine Siskins are common finches with naturally fluctuating populations. Despite irruptive migration patterns, they remain abundant across the boreal forest region and western mountains.
So, while Pine Siskins may disappear some winters and return in big numbers others, they are doing well overall. With healthy total populations, Pine Siskins are considered common birds rather than rare ones.
Location | Best Time to See | Tips to Find |
---|---|---|
Backyards | November to March during irruptions | Use nyjer and black oil sunflower seed. Watch platform feeders. |
Boreal Forests | May to August | Search conifers at higher elevations. Listen for flight calls. |
Western Mountains | Year-round resident | Try pine forests above 7,000 feet elevation. |